John can't wait to see beloved dog

ON TENTERHOOKS: John Broeren breeding bitch, Hale, was seized by SPCA inspectors more than two years ago. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Anxious is how John Broeren describes waiting to see his beloved canine companion after more than two years.

The Dalefield pig farmer's then 7-year-old breeding briard bitch, Hale, was seized by SPCA inspectors 25 months ago from his property while he was at work . Late last year he was charged with two animal cruelty counts which were withdrawn in Masterton District Court this week.

In a settlement between his lawyer and the SPCA he will be compensated and the dog returned to him later this week following a veterinarian clearance.

Mr Broeren said he can't wait to see the dog who had been his sole companion for years.

"I'll be getting back a totally different dog ... I'm worried she will be traumatised again by having to change homes again. She will be an old dog now."

He admits when the SPCA seized Hale she was slightly under condition as she had been fretting for a companion who had died a few months before.

"She lost a lot of condition when she lost her mate. These dogs fret ... I'm just worried she will go through another period of mourning. They are very emotional dogs. They bond with other species and they don't like change"

Hale and Mr Broeren were extremely close, he said.

He has been on anti-depressants since the dog was seized.

"She slept in my bed with me. The dogs took turns coming to work with me ... I lived behind closed gates and shut myself away when they took her. I just shut down totally. My life was in turmoil."

With Hale being the last of her line, Mr Broeren said he would be "ropeable" if she had been spayed by the SPCA.

"I believe they might have spayed her. If they have I'm going to sue them. There is no reason to spay your dog if you are a responsible dog owner."

Meanwhile, he just can't wait to see Hale again.

"I'm excited but anxious for her."